New Delhi: Eknath Shinde will take oath as the new Chief Minister of Maharashtra, ANI quoted BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis as saying. The oath-taking ceremony will take place today (June 30) at 7.30 pm at the Raj Bhavan, Fadnavis announced at a joint press conference with Shinde. The surprise announcement comes after it was speculated that Devendra Fadnavis would replace Uddhav Thackeray. “After the swearing-in ceremony today, we will have cabinet expansion and Shiv Sena and BJP leaders will take oath. I will stay out of the government,” Devendra Fadnavis was quoted as saying by ANI.
Hitting out at the Shiv Sena for forging an alliance with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Fadnavis said at the conference that the people’s mandate has been “insulted”.
Earlier today, Eknath Shinde and Fadnavis met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government.
Mumbai: Eknath Shinde and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis met Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and staked claim to form the government. pic.twitter.com/MgR26cm2dC— ANI (@ANI) 30 June 2022
Talking to media persons, Eknath Shinde reiterated that he has the support of 50 MLAs. “The decision we have taken is committed to Balasaheb’s Hindutva and development works in the constituencies of our MLAs. We have 50 MLAs with us,” he said.
Shiv Sena MLA said that the new Maharashtra government will have the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda: Eknath Shinde
Expressing gratitude for Fadnavis, Shinde said, “Fadnavis could have become CM by numbers but he showed a big heart and I thank him.” Shinde, who was in Goa, reached Mumbai today and met the Governor of Maharashtra along with Fadnavis.
Uddhav Thackeray resigns as Chief Minister of Maharashtra After the Supreme Court on Wednesday night allowed the floor test on Thursday. The development came after a rebellion by Shiv Sena MLA Eknath Shinde, who claimed the support of most of the party’s legislators, was enough to topple the Thackeray-led government.
(with agency input)